Newly appointed commissioner Tracy McCain brings a merchant’s
perspective to the La Conner Planning Commission.
Photo by Bill Reynolds/La Conner Community News
Tracy McCain has a new pet project.
The La Conner Pets store owner, who has previously served on the Swinomish Yacht Club Board of Directors and with the Washington State Multi-Family Housing Association, was nominated by Mayor Marna Hanneman and confirmed by Town Council members on Sept. 9. McCain fills the unexpired term of former commission chair John Leaver, who stepped down from the panel earlier this month.
An eight-year La Conner resident, McCain’s abbreviated term expires Dec. 31, 2026.
McCain sees her role on the commission, an advisory board that also conducts design reviews for projects in the Town’s Historic Preservation District (HPD), as being a liaison between La Conner’s business and residential communities.
“I’m approaching it from a couple angles,” McCain said. “When I bought my house here, it needed to be remodeled, so I became quite familiar with the permitting process. And when I started the business six months ago, there were a lot of codes that had to be followed. I’ve seen the process as both a resident and merchant.”
McCain, who has an extensive background in the software industry, relishes the opportunities for local civic engagement. She immediately began studying the Town’s ordinances, comp plan, and related documents upon her confirmation.
Several people applied to replace Leaver on the commission. McCain’s business ownership was key to her selection, Hanneman said before the council’s confirmation vote.
“All were qualified,” Hanneman said of the applicants, “but I think it’s important to have a merchant’s perspective.”
The five-member planning commission has undergone a nearly total makeover this year. New members Maya Ojalehto and Timothy Corey attended their first meeting on Sept. 2.
First-term commissioner Sommer Holt was elected the panel’s chair at that Sept. 2 session. Bruce Bradburn, a former commission chair, is completing a term that runs through December of this year.
In addition, the commission’s non-voting student representative position remains open. Maxwell Page, who had held that role, withdrew due to time conflicts with his La Conner High football practice schedule.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
